Heated debates on a cool morning in northern Europe. The President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, and Joseph Daul, President of the EPP group, to which the members of SDS and NSi belong, highlighted key positions to tackle the crisis in Europe.
Runaway costs in individual member states have been given a new context. EU member states will have to enter binding budget deficit limits into their constitutions. The structural deficit will be capped at 0.5% of GDP; the same, of course being true for Slovenia also. The European Court of Justice will have supervisory authority over the implementation. A long and arduous journey awaits us all. Reducing bureaucracy is a fact that cannot be overlooked anymore, regardless of some local politician’s kind words. The competitiveness of Europe and individual member states must increase to not only boost investor confidence, but to also boost the confidence of citizens. As Commission President Barroso pointed out, green growth and green jobs are essential for Europe.
Confidence in the euro and the institutions will return only with equivalent crisis management in all EU member states. Confidence cannot be obtained overnight. Equally, the European Parliament will be closely involved in negotiations for a union of fiscal stability, solidarity, and growth.
Europe is opening its doors to Serbia and Montenegro; for Croatia, they already are.
Discussions have veered towards some kind of isolation of Great Britain, which had spoken out against the European agreement on fiscal stability. British solidarity was seen as one sided, and not on the side of Europe. Even during the Slovenian Presidency of the European Union, England was often on the opposing side of discussions. In the end, however, consensus was always reached. This time, England?s decision is very worrisome.
My first session of the European Parliament has shown me that crisis management is being crucially emphasised in Europe. Debates in parliament are linked to specific issues and concrete solutions. In addition to discussions on financial discipline, talks are ongoing regarding the right course of action to create new jobs.
Once again, I thank the voters for showing their support. The Slovenian MEPs also welcomed me with open arms. I also feel very encouraged after today’s session of the European Parliament as one of the eighteen new MEPs, because it is a time of great trials for both Europe and Slovenia.
